TNAG-2602-FCO40-3790-Administrative-support-for-Chris-Patten--new-Governor-of-Hon-1992 — Page 77

SECRET AND PERSONAL

and other officials of the Hong Kong Government (HKG). He

chairs EXCO and the Governor's Security Committee. He

follows in detail the negotiations with China in the Joint

Liaison Group. The Chief Secretary is Head of the Civil

Service. But the Governor himself is heavily involved in the detailed, day-to-day administration of Hong Kong, as

well as carrying out extensive representational and

ceremonial duties.

4.

The Governor has also traditionally been the main

channel of communication with Ministers and the FCO.

Telegrams between HMG and Hong Kong go to and from the

Governor. This reflects the Secretary of State's

constitutional position under the Letters Patent, and also

the principle that the Governor is the source of official

advice from Hong Kong to Ministers on policy questions.

5.

But

Over the years, many parts of the Hong Kong

administration have developed their own direct contacts with

their Whitehall counterparts on technical matters.

Ministers and officials still seek the Governor's personal

views on a broad range of policy issues, particularly on

relations with China, and on the more sensitive aspects of

the administration of Hong Kong. We often exchange 20 or

more "personal" telegrams a week with the Governor, and often seek his advice on complex issues at very short

notice. (The Governor decides the distribution in Hong Kong

of personal telegrams, and normally approves, although does not draft the replies). In addition, for particularly sensitive matters, telegrams can be sent "strictly personal"

for the Governor. In this case, he deals with, and replies

to, the telegrams unaided.

MAIAAT/2

SECRET AND PERSONAL

/6.